Angels eyeing Sandoval, Canning for Opening Day start

PHOENIX -- The Angels are close to naming their Opening Day starter against the Orioles on March 28, but manager Ron Washington said Monday he’s not quite ready to make the announcement.

But it’s expected to be either lefty Patrick Sandoval or right-hander Griffin Canning, as either could be lined up to make the start in Baltimore to open the regular season. Sandoval pitched on Sunday against the D-backs, turning in his best outing of the spring, allowing one run over 4 1/3 innings with five strikeouts. And Canning started during Monday's 4-3 loss against the Brewers, giving up two runs on six hits over 4 1/3 frames with two strikeouts.

The Angels are expected to name their Opening Day starter as early as Tuesday and Sandoval is considered the favorite to make his first career Opening Day start. The only other AL clubs who haven’t announced their Opening Day starters are the Guardians, Rangers, Athletics, Rays, Red Sox and Blue Jays. Orioles right-hander Corbin Burnes, who was acquired in an offseason trade with the Brewers, will start against the Halos at Camden Yards.

“We haven’t really made a decision yet but we’re getting close and we’ll have something for you soon,” Washington said. “We’re in discussions and once we finish discussing, then we’ll come up with something.”

Sandoval has the slight edge over Canning as he’s pitched more than Canning since the two debuted with the Angels in 2019. Sandoval had a breakout season in 2022 that saw him post a 2.91 ERA in 27 starts, while Canning missed that season with a back injury. Sandoval had a bit of a down year by his standards last season with a 4.11 ERA in 28 outings, while Canning returned to the rotation to register a 4.32 ERA in 24 outings (22 starts) last season.

Canning and Sandoval have known each other since high school, as they both grew up outside of Anaheim, with Canning graduating from Santa Margarita Catholic High School in 2014 and Sandoval graduating from Mission Viejo High School in ’15. Canning went on to UCLA and was a second-round Draft pick by the Angels in ’17, while Sandoval was drafted by the Astros in ’15 and dealt to the Angels at the 2018 Trade Deadline.

Canning said he hadn’t been told whether he’d be starting on Opening Day just yet but said he’s excited to be part of a five-man rotation and has been feeling good this spring. Canning has posted a 2.25 ERA with 10 strikeouts and five walks in 12 innings.

“I'm excited for it,” Canning said. “I think staying in a routine a little bit more than we've done in the past is gonna help us. Just know which days we’re throwing a side and being able to pitch more will help us.”

Washington believes Hunter can become MLB manager

The Angels have had former outfielder and fan favorite Torii Hunter in camp since Wednesday as a guest instructor and Washington said he sees Hunter as someone who could manage in the big leagues eventually. Hunter, 48, was a five-time All-Star and nine-time Gold Glover during his 19-year career from 1997-2015 with the Twins, Angels and Tigers.

Hunter was rumored to be a candidate to be part of Washington’s coaching staff in the offseason but it was never substantiated. Washington noted that Hunter remains busy with his successful business endeavors.

“He’s a tremendous leader,” Washington said. “There’s nothing in the game he hasn’t experienced. If you know Torii, you know that he knows the game. He knows what it takes to be a champion, he knows what it takes to be a star. And he does a good job of relating that to the guys and listening and talking with them. I think once he puts his personal business aside and finds somebody to run it, he’ll get back into the game and would be a tremendous coach and a tremendous manager once he works his way through coaching.”

Angels tidbits

• Right-handers Chase Silseth and José Soriano will both pitch in Minor League action on Thursday’s off-day. Silseth remains on track to be the club’s fifth starter, while the Angels still haven’t decided whether they’ll continue to keep Soriano stretched out or move him back to a relief role. If Soriano remains a starter, he’s expected to open the year in the Minors.

• Washington said the club is expected to focus more on fundamentals and situational hitting late in Spring Training and the Angels called for a squeeze bunt in the fourth inning on Monday. Livan Soto was able to get it down to bring home a run to tie the game.